This last Saturday, I spent some time with my mother.  We visited, shopped, and ran errands.  The day included the typical girly highlights–a leisurely breakfast of pastries and coffee with alfresco seating, and a big favorite for both of us–clothes shopping.  Even so, I think the biggest joy of the day, at least for me, was the time we spent in the greeting card aisle at a local drugstore.

     Mom was searching for specific cards for specific occasions for specific people, and also just replenishing her stockpile of cards.  The woman really does her part in keeping the Post Office in business.  I have been the recipient of many of her letters/greeting treats–they usually come with stickers, encouraging words, and even hand-drawn pictures.  I was just looking for anything amusing, and picking up every card that had a cat on it.  We looked, read, showed each other, reread, and laughed over and over again on our card hunt.  My favorite card that I picked up to send a friend said something like, “I tried a dessert called death by chocolate, but it only made me stronger.”  I bought that one and a couple of others, and Mom bought–well, she’d be embarrassed if I told you how many cards she bought.

     I thought about this and came to the conclusion that ministry requires personal investment–of time, money, and talents.  I had never considered my mom’s mass sending of cards and letters a ministry before, but that is probably the most appropriate term to describe her committment and joy in card-sending–she does not miss a birthday or anniversay in our immediate and extended family, friends, and church group.  She sends sympathy, thinking of you, encouragment, just for laughs, graduation, wedding, new baby–there’s not a category she doesn’t touch.  I doubt she would call it a ministry.  She is more likely to give a simple smile and say, “People like to get cards.”

     The subject brings to my mind Proverbs 25:25 “Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.”  I interpret “distant land” broadly here, and simply believe that a card, letter, or a short note is like a cold drink of water in the middle of a long hard, day.  It is a great way to spread joy and encouragment and be a blessing to others.

     Letters and cards, unlike emails and text messages, can be carried around in a pocket or a purse, reread, and saved for years.  It is special knowing someone took the time to think of you and write down her thoughts.  I have reread special letters or cards I’ve received that really touched me many, many times. 

     It is fun to build a stash of pretty stationary and unique greeting cards and stickers, but it’s not necccessary.  All it really takes is a piece of paper, a pen and a stamp.  Jot down an encouraging message to whoever is on your heart, and stick it in the mailbox.  I bet you make someone’s day.